Hood Blackouts

[1leglance]

Lets put a hold on this thread guys, I don't want to continue this until I become a sponsor.

Until you are actually selling I would think it would ok to explore the market...that way you know if it is worth doing and build excitement..
Once you are selling it is very important to support Expo since it is a strong customer base that will tell many other folks.

I would suggest a couple of things..
Your location is important in your profile and website, that way folks can pickup direct and help you with templet rigs.
Customers will pay for things even if it isn't the "perfect" solution...look at all the terrible camp chairs out there.
So if someone wants a cutout or gloss on blackcout I would make it but add in your exchange that "this is less that ideal from a true blackout perspective, however it will look great!"

Just some random thougths and I hope it goes well for you and Expo gets another great memeber/sponsor

 

[jeff_wright]

I really like the idea of having a blackout with the Land Rover logo cutout so the paint color shows through! That's awesome

 

[MattScott]

1leglance,

I'll continue to explore here, I'll try the best I can to not sell, or promote products on here. I'm 100% for being fair. This is my first venture, and I can use all of the constructive critisizm that I can get. I'm going to work on improving my website, and my products, I've been busy with college as well, and I'm working as fast as I can!

In all honesty I started this with intent not to sell, I'm trying to conduct some market research; not to exploit. I'm looking for market interest, to see if it is worth creating the blackouts.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I've been through this before, and I'd advise ExPo to be cautious with what they're asking.

I was selling widgets for a Focus using a BBS. I was selling about 5 widgets at $20 a pop, which cost $10 to make (not including my time) and the board owner wanted $20/month just to be able to have a text link in my sig. No banners even.

It basically killed the whole thing.

 

[Pskhaat]

Regardless of how commercially this works with ExPo and everything (which of course I'm all for) but is it even remotely possible to make non-reflective hood white-outs?

Living in the desert a black hood is the last thing you want, but obviously anything lighter can effectively defeat the whole purpose. Are there materials out there that can serve the purpose and yet still keep things cool (i.e. polarized)?

 

[MattScott]

Regardless of how commercially this works with ExPo and everything (which of course I'm all for) but is it even remotely possible to make non-reflective hood white-outs?

Living in the desert a black hood is the last thing you want, but obviously anything lighter can effectively defeat the whole purpose. Are there materials out there that can serve the purpose and yet still keep things cool (i.e. polarized)?

I will work on something, I have ideas, possibly a "etched glass" imitation vinyl on the hood, it would show color, but take away the shine.

 

[02TahoeMD]

I would be interested in something like this for my Chevy. Regardless wether you make them for my rig or not, I had ideas of potential center cut outs or custom lettering for your clients, like putting a compass rose in the middle, brand emblems as a cut out ( like the Land Rover oval ) or a customer's choice of lettering, sizes and fonts I guess limited by your production capability.

Anyway, just some ideas. Good luck!

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Regardless of how commercially this works with ExPo and everything (which of course I'm all for) but is it even remotely possible to make non-reflective hood white-outs?

Living in the desert a black hood is the last thing you want, but obviously anything lighter can effectively defeat the whole purpose. Are there materials out there that can serve the purpose and yet still keep things cool (i.e. polarized)?

Why? MythBusters busted the myth about black cars getting hotter.

 

[Pskhaat]

Why? MythBusters busted the myth about black cars getting hotter.[/quote

Even to the outside touch?

 

[Christophe Noel]

16 months ago I did a hood blackout on my DII with Griot's Garage Spray on Bra. It makes a perfect blackout. Being latex, it has the most matte of matte finishes. It took all of 25 minutes to mask and spray. Total cost of about $40.

Here's why I mention it: It's removeable. Last winter I decided it wasn't necessary with the low light so I just peeled it off in one swipe. In the spring, I just sprayed a new one on.

The spray is brilliant. The masking is a pain. It would be neat to have pre-cut, giant stencils to lay over a hood to make the masking less labor intensive. That could even include the cool cutout for a Rover logo...ooooo.

Anyway, I sure love the solution I came up with. Personally, I was reluctant to go the "big sticker" route.

 

[Overland Hadley]

16 months ago I did a hood blackout on my DII with Griot's Garage Spray on Bra. It makes a perfect blackout. Being latex, it has the most matte of matte finishes. It took all of 25 minutes to mask and spray. Total cost of about $40.

Here's why I mention it: It's removeable. Last winter I decided it wasn't necessary with the low light so I just peeled it off in one swipe. In the spring, I just sprayed a new one on.

The spray is brilliant. The masking is a pain. It would be neat to have pre-cut, giant stencils to lay over a hood to make the masking less labor intensive. That could even include the cool cutout for a Rover logo...ooooo.

Anyway, I sure love the solution I came up with. Personally, I was reluctant to go the "big sticker" route.

Sent you a PM about Griot's Garage Spray on Bra.

 

[Overland Hadley]

ill deffinetly make one for any vehicle that is in need. yj,tj,jk are on the list

I might want one for my Tacoma.

Keep us posted with your progress, looks like you have some interest in your product.

 

[roberto]

what is the purpose of hood blackout? is it flat, satin, gloss? I am thinking it is a anti glare thing? from overhead lights or sun?

Rob

 

[michaels]

what is the purpose of hood blackout? is it flat, satin, gloss? I am thinking it is a anti glare thing? from overhead lights or sun?

Rob

i'm getting one from VIGG in order to block glar from the sun. i live in a flat area, so sunsets are killer on the eyes!

plus it'll be good for when i mount some rooftop lights.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I painted my hood a few weeks ago with a flat black paint. Came out pretty well, thought it's very difficult to get a really even finish. The flat black paint serves the purpose better, but it's probably not quite as good looking as a decal, or use a semigloss paint. The hardest part is obviously getting the masking tape down right.